Rising Trends: Taking It to the Edge

Convincing Drawings Need Hard and Soft Edges

Web Version »

Want to get an edge over other artists by producing more convincing drawings? Then look to your edges, for the choices you make in treating them have a lot of influence over how your artwork turns out. From the hardest to the softest, there's a wide variety of possibilities in how your edges are rendered, and applying the whole range effectively can make the difference between an adequate work and a truly impressive one. So let's take a look at how to use these fundamental tools to give your drawings the look of real life.

Passion and Inspiration Define Workshops in France

With the love of art and a passion for travel, WorkshopsInFrance has established unforgettable château-based painting retreats and workshops in France, Scotland and Italy. Through these premier workshops, artists come together in small enrichment groups to celebrate the good life and create work that reflects the authenticity and beauty of their surroundings. Artists of all levels leave with sketches, paintings and inspiration that lasts for years. Gayle from Florida says, "I'm thanking you for one of the highlights of my life. The experience was fun, productive, enriching and just what I needed."

Learn More »

Drawing Mastery: Shading Course

In this shading course you will be learn:

How to perceive varying intensities of light and shadow
Understand how our eyes continually adjust to light and dark
How to use this information with pencil and charcoal and apply subtly blended shades from light grey to very dark.

download course now »

explore more drawing »

Come join Courtney on Artists Network
For Courtney, art is one of life’s essentials. Presenting art techniques to you from trusted instructors and creators as well as adding her own voice to the mix about her own (sometimes blooper worthy!) art endeavors is what she loves best. She writes about everything from Old Master painting and techniques to how to troubleshoot a painting gone wrong. She is always looking for ways to make more of her studio time, too, working in mixed media.